25 signatures reached
To: SADC Leadership, SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, African Union Commission, AU Peace and Security Council, Government of Zimbabwe, and Parliament of Zimbabwe
We Demand a National Referendum on Zimbabwe’s CAB 3 Constitutional Amendment
SPECIFIC ACTIONS REQUESTED FROM SADC AND THE AFRICAN UNION
Recognizing the importance of regional peace, democratic governance, and constitutional legitimacy, we respectfully request SADC and the African Union to take the following concrete actions:
1. Appoint a SADC/AU Fact-Finding Mission on CAB 3
We request the SADC and the African Union send an independent fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe to
- Assess whether citizens were adequately consulted during the constitutional amendment process.
- Receive submissions from citizens, civil society, political parties, and other stakeholders.
- Prepare and publish a public report with findings and recommendations.
2. Facilitate an Inclusive National Dialogue
We request SADC and the African Union to facilitate a structured national dialogue involving:
- Government representatives.
- Opposition parties.
- Civil society organizations.
- Traditional leaders.
- Youth and women's representatives.
- Constitutional experts.
The purpose should be to address concerns surrounding CAB 3 and rebuild public confidence in national institutions.
3. Recommend a Public Legitimacy Process
We request the SADC and the African Union to recommend that the government of Zimbabwe establish a mechanism for citizens to directly express their position on CAB 3, including consideration of a national referendum or another constitutionally recognized public consultation process.
4. Establish a Regional Monitoring Mechanism
We request the SADC and the African Union to create a monitoring framework that tracks the following:
- Protection of civic participation.
- Respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
- Engagement between government and citizens.
- Progress on resolving concerns raised by stakeholders.
To the Government of Zimbabwe and Parliament
We respectfully demand:
- A National Referendum on CAB 3
Allow Zimbabwean citizens to directly decide whether they accept or reject the constitutional changes introduced by CAB 3 through a free, fair, and transparent referendum. - Repeal CAB 3 if Rejected by the People
Respect the outcome of the referendum and restore the previous constitutional provisions if citizens reject the amendment. - Meaningful Public Consultation
Ensure that future constitutional changes are guided by genuine citizen participation, transparency, and accountability. - Restore Public Confidence
Strengthen trust in national institutions by protecting democratic principles, independent oversight, and the voice of citizens.
A constitution belongs to the people. The people must have the final say.
6. Request a Formal Response from the Government of Zimbabwe
We request the SADC and the African Union to formally engage the government of Zimbabwe and request a written response addressing the following:
- How citizens' concerns regarding CAB 3 will be addressed.
- What steps will be taken to restore public confidence?
- How constitutional legitimacy will be strengthened.
6. Include the Matter on the Regional Agenda
We request that concerns regarding constitutional governance and citizen participation in Zimbabwe receive formal consideration within appropriate SADC and AU structures.
OUR REQUEST
OUR REQUEST
We are not requesting external interference in Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. We are requesting regional support for democratic principles, peaceful dialogue, and a process that ensures Zimbabwe’s constitutional future reflects the confidence and participation of its people.
Why is this important?
The constitution of a country is the foundation that defines the relationship between citizens and the state. Decisions that change the way leaders are elected, institutions operate, and citizens participate in governance affect every Zimbabwean, regardless of political affiliation.
This issue is important because:
- A constitution belongs to the people. Citizens must have confidence that major constitutional changes reflect their views, concerns, and aspirations.
- Strong democratic institutions protect everyone. Independent institutions, accountability, and citizen participation help protect the rights of all Zimbabweans.
- Good governance affects daily life. Transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership directly influence jobs, healthcare, education, public services, and economic opportunities.
- The future generation is affected. Constitutional decisions made today will shape Zimbabwe’s political and social environment for years to come.
- Peace depends on trust. A country is more stable when citizens believe that their voices matter and that important decisions are made through inclusive processes.
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE JOIN THIS CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE?
People should join because this is not only about one political party or one group of citizens. It is about ensuring that every Zimbabwean has a voice in decisions that shape the future of the country.
By joining this campaign, citizens can:
People should join because this is not only about one political party or one group of citizens. It is about ensuring that every Zimbabwean has a voice in decisions that shape the future of the country.
By joining this campaign, citizens can:
- Stand for meaningful participation in national decisions.
- Promote accountability and transparency.
- Support peaceful dialogue and constitutional governance.
- Protect the rights and interests of future generations.
- Encourage leaders to listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
This campaign is built on the belief that Zimbabwe’s future should be shaped through the participation, dignity, and confidence of its people.
Together, citizens can peacefully advocate for a Zimbabwe where institutions are trusted, leaders are accountable, and every person’s voice matters.
How it will be delivered
In-Person Delivery